For his role in promoting Danube Delta as a center for relaxation and discovery for the entire Dobrogea region, Mr. Mihai Puflene and PUFLENE RESORT where named OFFICIAL DIPLOMATIC PARTNERS of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation (IRICE).

Danube Delta has succeeded in 2017 to draw a record visitors number, the highest since revolution.

PUFLENE RESORT and Mihai Puflene are being honored with the prestigious title of DIPLOMATIC PARTNERS.

At the heart of this sensibilization campaign aimed at informing Romanian public with regards to the extraordinary tourism potential of the Danube Delta was Mr. Mihai Puflene de General Director of PUFLENE RESORT and an avid and ardent promoter of the Danube beauties and potential, bent of sharing them with the world.

For his role in promoting Danube Delta as a center for relaxation and discovery for the entire Dobrogea region, Mr. Mihai Puflene and PUFLENE RESORT where named OFFICIAL DIPLOMATIC PARTNERS of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation (IRICE).

In the framework of a simple yet charged with significance ceremony, IRICE President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea highlighted the instrumental role of PUFENE RESORT in carving tourism development in Delta region.

If we have succeeded in transforming 2017 in the year of discovery for Danube Delta and we could elicit Romanian tourists in uncovering this treasure it is all due to Mr. Mihai Puflene and his efforts that attracted tourists and development in the area.

PUFLENE RESORT has also succeeded in setting a new standard for hospitality and elegance in the region and of public diplomacy, we must also be grateful to PUFLENE RESORT for the support offered in bringing diplomats in Danube Delta in discovery trips in 2016 and 2017.

We have to give thanks to PUFLENE RESORT dedicated staff for an outstanding hospitality that we recommend to all those who want to discover Delta and to Mr. Mihai Puflene, the lover and connoisseur of Danube Delta, the man that aims to bring all Romanians to know and share the beauties of Danube we can only wish him Good look and we are continuously by your side, concluded Professor Dr.Anton Caragea, IRICE President.

The Annual Summer Trip for Diplomats, a yearly event for the diplomats that remarked themselves for promoting the bilateral cooperation in the framework of The Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania activities has taken place between 15 to 18 August 2017, in the lines of DISCOVER ROMANIA diplomatic program.

The main axis of the discovery trip was provided by the PUFLENE RESORT, the most celebrated, acclaimed and elegant hotel in the area of Dobrogea and Danube delta.

The cruise has started in the Islamic center of Dobrogea, the city of Babadag and his famous landmark the SAR SALTUK BABA mosque and cultural complex.

This year diplomatic discovery trip was centered on cultural and historical legacy to be found in the magic land of Dobrogea.

The route of discovery has led the participants along a history charged path from Babadag, a center of Islamic learning in the XIII to XVIII centuries, to Halmyris citadel, a Greek-Roman fortification towards the Enisala fortress, a medieval art monument and center of trade and Italian architecture and Argumum a celtic and greek citadel that towered of the Black Sea region for centuries.

Christianity most revered burial sites in this part of the world: the basilica of saints Epictet and Astion was also included on the list.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, IRICE President at the helm of the cruise ship that lead diplomats and their families in the uncharted waters of Danube Delta.

The Danube Delta cruise was carved to unveil the secret trails of the old river, the starting point was at Murighiol port-Saint George channel – Uzlina Lake and Channel - Isac Lake – Letea submerged forest and return via Uzlina and Sulina waterways.

The DISCOVER ROMANIA program is aimed at giving an opportunity for diplomats posted in Romania to get acquainted with new areas of our country, to familiarize themselves with the rich customs and traditions of diverse regions of Romania and to also enjoy themselves in a few days of active relaxation.

Diplomats and their families on board of Puflene cruise ship.

Accordingly to the strict rules of the program, the invitation is a very sought after and distributed with parsimony , being invited only does diplomats who remark themselves during the year by cooperating closely with The Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation.

This year our main destination and that of the ambassadors and their families, invited for the cruise, was Danube Delta, tell us Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, the President Director General of The Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation and we have many reasons for our decision to select Danube Delta as our destination.

We have previously organized a similar discovery trip during 2011 and more recently in 2016 and I was remembering, with pleasure, the enthusiasm that ambassadors put in the discovery of the area and we want also to place in our program new and new destinations of Danube Delta.

To add to this arguments was the recent July 2017 economic promotion tour of Dobrogea that our institution had organized and was crowned with an impressive success and echo in the economic environment and we wanted to build on this success and complete the image of Dobrogea not only as a center of economic activity but also as an instrumental part of cultural and historical legacy of today`s Romania announced IRICE President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

Murighiol Cathedral dedicated to Saints and Martyrs: Epictet and Astion.

Another argument weight in was the opening of an extraordinary resort and hospitality complex in the area: PUFLENE RESORT.

This resort was to become the gravity center of our activities, to discover Danube Delta, and also our night base for a wonderful meal and recuperation after travel.

Argamum citadel: the main center of trade and culture in the Black Sea region until V century AC.

The diplomats program was coined, with the help of PUFENE RESORT Director, Mr Mihai Puflene, a man in loved with the Danube and passionate about Danube Delta.

A special guide for Danube Delta at the diplomats disposal.

The program encompassed, during day time, regular trips, that allowed diplomats to discover magnificent areas like: Murighiol Danube front, the lake Uzlina, the largest lake and a perfect fish reserve, the boats rolled also to the Lake Isac and Lake Isac 2, natural reserve of mangrove and typical vegetation, Litcov Channel and famous Crisan village, bedecked with traditional houses painted in blue and home to Russian minority in the Danube Delta.

Diplomats also enjoyed the trips to Sulina arm of Danube and finally, to the Letea Forest, UNESCO natural preserve, unique in the world.

The centers of culture and history of Argamum and Halmyris (Murighiol) had proven the continuity and the resilience of Romanian`s in this region and elicited surprise to the diplomats which learned about Dobrogea history in the late antiquity.

The religious centers dedicated to Islamic scholars in Babadag and the world-famous basilica of Murighiol dedicated to the first martyrs of christian faith moved the diplomats and charged them with spirituality.

Enisala fortress (general view) controlled in the medieval times the trade along Black Sea region and the Genovese sailors used it as a center of commerce and discovery (XII century).

Halmyris -Murighiol: a Greek and Roman citadel and fortification and the heart of Early Latin Christianity.

The four days journey of discovery and travel where crowned also by relaxation time.

Ambassadors took full advantage of this time enjoying the PUFLENE RESORT many facilities like gym, wading pool and massage therapy and most of all, indulge in the culinary creation of the master chef of the complex.

The imperial recipes of old day`s are alive and well under the care of PUFLENE RESORT famous chefs.

For diplomats the stuffed pike was recreated.

Mr. Mihai Puflene carved out a culinary discovery menu, including the fish broth, carp brine and the incredible stuffed pike.

Mr. Mihai Puflene the Manager of PUFLENE RESORT complex receives the OFFICIAL DIPLOMATIC PARTNER OF IRICE status from Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, IRICE President, in recognition of the perfect care and professionalism in managing diplomat`s trips.

The diplomatic trip to Danube Delta was a new success of the DISCOVERY ROMANIA program, started in 2008 by The Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation and will be followed this autumn by a discovery trip to Bucovina (December 2017), stated Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

This letter was drafted jointly by the UN Global Compact Office and the Secretariat of the UN Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) and was addressed for public endorsement by world leaders.

We must underline that Romania by the relentless efforts of Professor Dr. Anton Caragea has become an educational leader at world level by placing at the fore an educational system directed towards the full implementation of Sustainable Development Goals.

The United Nations letter calls on educational system to be built around three major pillars:

1) understand the relevance of international human rights standards for business;

2) are familiar with the Principles of the UN Global Compact and the corporate responsibility to respect human rights as detailed in the United Nations “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework for Business and Human Rights (2008 and elaborated in the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights(2011); and

3) have been exposed to best practices for managing the human rights impacts of business.

The full text of UN Letter to Academic Institutions Educate Future Managers and Leaders on Business and Human Rights can be accessed here:

Danube Delta has to be in the center of sustainable tourism development and more specially must be at the heart of every Romanian.

Unfortunately, until now only 25% of Romanian population had visited Danube Delta and only 10 to 12% had made long time vacations in areas like Murighiol and Sulina, stated Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

We proclaim 2017 as the year when WE HAVE TO DISCOVER DANUBE DELTA stated Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

The center of Danube Delta discovery campaign must be TULCEA/MURIGHIOL area, a special point with easy access to Danube Delta and an area that had witnessed a tremendous development in the last span of time with the extraordinary PUFLENE RESORT opening as a center for the discovery activities for Danube Delta, stated Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

Representatives of central administration (ministries and government agencies) , travel agencies, journalists and Danube Delta lovers attended the TIME TO DISCOVER DANUBE DELTA! public information event.

Professor Anton Caragea announced the conclusion of a partnership with PUFLENE RESORT who will make available special rates for rooms in order to encourage visitors to Danube Delta and will also stage a chain of events to promote attention toward Danube Delta.

The music of Danube Delta was represented by a special Lipoveni (Russian Danube Delta minority) community singer.

The conference had also benefited by the presence of an exhibition areas that garnered for public pleasure and information 36 canvas paintings and images from Danube Delta, a powerful testimony of natural potential and the unique beauty of Danube Delta-unique ecosystem in Europe.

The music was the best medium to highlight the beauties of Danube Delta during the exhibition opening.

The guests savored a specific fish meal and regional amuse bouche and enjoyed a concert of traditional music from Russian community of the areas and of fishermen collectivities of deltaic region.

Friday, 10 March 2017, The Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation hosted a debate on the dire situation of the Romanian economy as revealed in the latest United Nations Expert Philip Alston report.

The regular economic study conference has united economical experts from Romania, European Parliament, managers and personalities of political, economical and academic life of Romania.

The most important topic was highlighting the negative effects of publicising doctored reports about Romanian economic development, reports that are having no bases in real economy and are reminiscent of the communist like distortions of economic figures.

Romanian economy is in deep crisis and poverty, and no amount of lies and propaganda can change this fact, and the latest popular revolt of January 2017 was triggered by these politic of economic lies, was the conclusion of the debate.

2009- 2016 –the world crisis and the long-lasting impact on Romanian economy.

The conference started with an evaluation of the first wave of impact of economic crisis in the recent period: 2009-2016.

Between 2009-2016 the economic crisis has affected the vital areas of economic life: the collapse has started with construction industry and construction material factories and collapse continued with huge levels of unemployment ad poverty.

Others affected sectors where: insurance, banking and stock exchange and in all the financial sector was also strongly shaken.

In total the economic output of Romanian economy has gone down by 35%, unemployment around 40% of the working force and forced below poverty line over 65% of country population.

Romania: the most poverty striken country in Europe.

No economic growth, no jobs, no hope!

The consumer confidence has fallen sharply and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has being reduced with 10% in 2010 and 8% in 2011 to decrease further with margins between 2-3% in 2013 to 2016.

The decrease in Romanian economy has being so devastating, today we are below the 1996 level-the record law of Romanian economy.

Unfortunately, the economic collapse of 2012-2016 has laid the foundation for a crisis without equivalent in Romanian history that will affect the country in 2017.

2012-2016: The period of economic disaggregation of Romanian economy.

2012 and 2016 period will be remembered as the worst time of recent economic turmoil in Romania, was the conclusion voiced by all the experts at the gathering.

In 2015 and 2016 the Romanian economy had started to show signs of deep financial crisis.

The banking and insurance system has being especially hard hit and this had made the fragile Romanian economy to reach the breaking point.

The inflation had resurfaced from January 2017 and the experts appreciate that a 20% percent yearly inflation is unavoidable.

The resurgence of inflation had put a dramatic pressure on population economy and had made any recovery unthinkable for the next 4-8 years.

The collapse in economic system, the fact that internal and external investments had being reduced to minimum, the credit on internal market has being practically suspended, and this year the GDP will shrink by 3 to 6%.

A factor not to be neglected in amplification of the crisis is the governmental incompetence that by increasing the taxes, legislative chaos and a deliberate politics of destroying the middle class investors in the favor of big companies succeeded only to aggravate the economic crisis.

Practically we are speaking about economic shut down and devastating economic crisis that will see probably 1 to 2 million Romanians leaving the country in the next two years.

The spiraling down of economy will be affected by the decay in European economic activity, effects of anti-Russian sanction and the redraw of investors from the Eastern Europe markets in the aftermath of Greece and Hungary crisis.

Crisis hit Spain, Greece, and Ireland and slowing down economy of Germany, France and Great Britain exit, will impact negative on Romanian chances to get access to European funds and foreign investments.

The negative impact of European Union financial and confidence crisis will account for a 3-6% percent reduction in Romanian GDP this year.

2017 will be without a doubt a period of a new catastrophic decline.

It must be very clear, all economic experts underlined, that the present economic decline will last for at least a decade at European level.

Any statements about a Romanian economic growth are unsubstantiated or bluntly laying.

On European level the forecasts are speaking about the lost decade of Europe between 2010 and 2020 , term referring to the blocking of economic development at continental level and the frozen of present situation for a decade.

Those that are declaring that Romania will surpass the period of recovering of France or Great Britain economy , are telling stories that are unbelievable , closed the argument the chief economist Mihail Raceanu.

It will be a miracle if we have in 2017 a decrease in real economy of less than 10% and in the interval between 2017 and 2022 to stop the decline and in 2025 to start the recovery.

2017 budget-A budget that will trigger a deeper economic crisis.

In 2017 the Romanian economy is coming to the fore not only with the negatives trends of the last years and a crippling luck of funding and investment but also with a budget of incredible largesse that will direct Romania to plunge into a new economic meltdown.

The 2017 budget is impacting Romanian economic stability and is giving a sign of chaos in the government economic policy.

The 2017 budget expected huge deficit is not offering any chance for a real economic recovery, inflation will destroy the country financial reserves and the individual savings as well and the decline in the economy is estimated by independent economists around 3-6% percent of the GDP by the year’s end.

Reduced foreign investment and dramatically shrinking internal private investment means that Romania will have now more that 2 billion euro (in an optimistic assessment) for direct economic investment programs.

The country needs at least 20 billion per year to modernize the economy and to have a decent growth rate of 1-2% percent per year.

The present day budget of 2017 is not only of severe economic chaos, but of severe contraction, stated the economists present at the meeting.

Romanian economic recovery: postponed to 2050.

This assessment was a strong one, keeping in mind that the pre-crisis governmental statistic declared that in 2025 Romania will succeed in recuperating the gap and reach the level of industrial activity prior to 1989 Revolution.

This perspective is no longer feasible, a new perspective is appearing after the crisis and after the lost decade and a cumulative GDP decrease of more than 60% from 2007 economy level.

The economic recession will make it hard for Romanian economy to recuperate the last loses in the context of negative governmental involvement, high inflation, drastic increase in country debt, the general economic climate of recession and finally the worst factor of all: the burden of external debt.

The collapse in economic system, the internal and external investments will be reduced to minimum, the credit on internal market will be suspended and all this will provoke this year an economic decrease of more than 5% of GDP or even 8% of GDP after others opinions.

External debt risk can plunge Romania into financial meltdown.

The fear factor that will suffocate Romanian economy in the next period will be, after 2017, the foreign debt crisis.

The government has careless accepted more than 36 billion dollars credit and in total: the private and state debt of Romania is reaching the unbelievable sum of 105 billion dollars, this only if the government will no longer accept new loans.

Despite the writing on the wall, in all of cases like: Greece, Spain and Ireland, Romania is accepting new loans from private banks, loans that will not be invested in developing and modernizing the economy but in salaries and pensions.

This consumer invested loans at extortionate interest rates, will suffocate completely an ailing and failed economy as Romanian economy is.

Another gloomy factor is the unemployment: with a rate of registered unemployment of more than 15% of the active population and with another 35% percent of the population already left out of the governmental unemployment aid, Romania tops many EU member countries with a real unemployment figure of more than 50% of the population.

This figure must be put in perspective with more than 60% of the population below the poverty line and the full picture of the economic meltdown and social tragedy could be analyzed.

Romania economy is in crisis and no plans for a future development had being adopted.

2017: The financial and banking crisis.

The conclusion of the most important economic experts in Romania was clear: the crisis is not over by far, but has entered in a more difficult phase that will affect financial and banking system and economic fundament`s.

The economic crisis will continue until 2020 at the earliest and a coming back cycle that will last until 2025.

This decade will be, without a doubt, the lost decade of Romania, but if the necessary measures are not rapidly taken to re-establish control on economic decline than we risk that Romania economy will not come back not even in 2025.

The situation is made even worst by the fact that: Romanian leaders are in denial in regard to the social and economic crisis of the country as UN rapporteur Philip Alston stated.

On 8 December 2016, in the General Headquarter from the Mountain-“El Cuartel”, Venezuelans marked the four-year anniversary of former president Hugo Chavez’s last speech, with current head of state President Nicolas Maduro calling for national unity.

“We must keep alive the flame of our comandante Hugo Chavez,” Maduro told supporters of Bolivarian revolution gathered in large numbers in Caracas.

The president said the last four years have been difficult for Venezuela, but argued the country’s socialist revolution has survived despite an “economic war” being waged by his political opponents and international oligarchy.

“We can say that in four years we have been loyal to comandante Chavez,” President Maduro said.

Elsewhere in Caracas, light shows displayed images of Chavez on buildings and a special service with cabinet ministers, social movement leaders and international guests such as the former president of Honduras, Manuel Zelaya, was held in the “El Cuartel” Mountain Barracks where President Chávez was laid to rest.

Thursday marked four years since Chavez gave his last speech, before heading to Cuba to undertake a final round of cancer treatment in December 2012. During the now iconic speech, Chavez expressed hope he would return to Venezuela to resume his position as president but also taken provisions to the contrary.

“I have complete faith that with God’s help we will emerge victorious. We have always lived from one miracle to another,” he said at the time.

He also urged his supporters to back Nicolas Maduro in the case of his own death as the only leader who can direct toward victory his Bolivarian Revolution.

The last speech of President Hugo Chavez is largely credited to being a chartered road toward progress and development for Venezuela and is cherished by Venezuelans and international leaders as the quintessence of Bolivarian way of building a powerful democracy and a progressive country.

“If something were to happen that would make it impossible for me to be president, Nicolas Maduro should assume power for the short time left in this term. But also, it is my firm opinion, my complete and irrevocable opinion, that under this scenario, you should all vote for Nicolas,” he said.

The ceremonies were attended by progressive thinkers, journalists, members of trade unions, diplomats and political leaders from across Asia, America and Africa among them being noted the former President of Honduras and present President of Popular Resistance Movement, Manuel Zelaya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Haiti, Pierrot Delienne, Chilean senator Alejandro Navarro, minister of culture of Cuba, Abel Prieto, Dominican Republic Minister of Industry and Commerce, Temistocles Montas and Argentinian singer and composer Pedro Aznar and Chinese painter Jun Chengsong who presented a special portrait made to honor Chavez legacy.

The Parliamentarian Assembly for Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals will garner support from national parliaments across the world, interested in bringing world agenda for development in their national legislations and contribute to the international and global development and fulfilling the United Nations Agenda.

IRICE President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea had stated for UN Sustainable Development publication that: he accepted the task to coordinate in the first five years the initiative, benefiting from his long-established role and expertise in uniting and engaging national legislators and make them involved in the implementation of development issues.

After the five years preparatory phase, will be created a Governing Body of advisors that includes MPs from National Parliaments and other experts to guide and effectively implement the programmes, concluded Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

The event has being organized by the Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation at Romanian Parliament and brought together governmental officials, parliamentarians from economy, industry, environment and tourism committees and diplomats accredited to Bucharest.

The event hosted at Romanian Parliament has marked the WORLD TOURISM DAY and has taken place under the high patronage of European Council on Tourism and Trade.

This year ceremonies where concentrated on Asia growing role in global tourism rapid development and Kingdom of Cambodia- WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016.

On this occasion, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea-President Director General of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation unveiled his official message for WORLD TOURISM DAY-2016:

2016 World Tourism Day must be an occasion for us to ponder about the transformations of the sector that registered a growth from 25 million international tourists in 1956 to today staggering 1.2 billion people travelling the world.

Why is traveling so significant in today’s world? (…)

This is happening because traveling is a occasion for new experiences, new sentiments and most of all new ideas. Tourism has become a key economic factor and part of world development, a significant job creator and a forging opportunities for local communities.

Tourism is today a major source of income for local communities.

As we celebrate World Tourism Day, let us recall the success stories of tourism as a tool for fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals, as a medium for global growth for all of the world’s citizens.

Let us evaluate and emulate the success stories of Africa: where Zimbabwe and Ethiopia had succeeded in making tourism a major earner for their economy, offering jobs, hopes and future to more than 25 millions people s involved in these countries travel sector.

More recent: The Kingdom of Cambodia became an example for Asian tourism development investing tourism revenues in infrastructure, hospitality facilities and offering growth and employment opportunities for millions of people’s of Cambodia.

This is the transformative power of tourism and this is the reasons that the world community decided to make Cambodia and Ethiopia as model countries for tourism development in 2016. (….)

Danube Delta was always recognised as a land of uniqueness: a place unique in Europe, the greatest and most attractive world delta complex, the most impressive natural sanctuary of Europe and from now one is also the place where exist the most luxurious and well equipped hotel in a Delta: PUFLENE RESORT.

PUFLENE RESORT: a perfect place to start your journey in the splendid DANUBE DELTA.

Puflene resort is the beneficiary of a perfect "3">The perfect position allows PUFLENE RESORT to be used for a discovery trip of Danube Delta treasures, excursions that can last from a few hours to a few days trip.

PUFLENE RESORT-diplomats house

Worths mentioning that: the experienced team of PUFLENE RESORT can take care even of the smallest details of your journey through Danube Delta, putting at your disposal a large array of speed boats, cruise ships and sailing boats, that will allow you to explore even the hidden corners, in the search of the unique flora and fauna hosted by mirific Danube Delta.

If relaxation is what you seek, than also the hospitality complex PUFLENE can be your destination of choice, as will offer you the opportunity to go fishing, in the boundaries of the complex and will also provide you with in-house delights like: corporal treatments, massage, gym, indoor pool and outdoor wadding pool, sauna and even a salt mine, all reunited in a complex SPA, unique in Danube Delta and Black Sea region.

Encompassing more than 10 hectares, the PUFLENE RESORT is offering for tourists large areas, specially destined for outdoor sports like: football field, tennis courts, jogging tracks and even adventure sports towers.

Ten hectares of luxury and amusements in DANUBE DELTA.

For children and families cruising after a year of hard work only PUFLENE RESORT is the address of choice.

The children are enjoying a kingdom of wonder, spanning over 10 hectares of perfect paradise and the matures can also enjoy relaxation and enjoy the interaction with water, sun and Danube Delta unique climate of relaxation.

With 106 rooms and 16 villas, the complex is an example of good organization and comfort: all rooms are enjoying the amenities like: minibar, safes, cable television, internet connection, free wi-fi, phone, hair dryer, balcony, air conditioning, VingCard access keys, making your leisure time an occasion for perfect joy and relaxation so needed in the stressful modern world.

Carp brine: a delicious DANUBE DELTA speciality.

A strong point that needs to be emphasized is the PUFLENE RESTORT restaurant, that is offering 300 places and a menu that will dignify the royals.

All that was ever invented by Romanian, Greek or Russian cuisine, in the field of fish based gourmet palatable pleasures can be ordered here and the Danube best chefs will create you a culinary paradise for the most demanding palates.

Stuffed pike: a culinary delicacy that makes the fame of PUFLENE RESORT

Starting this moment, PUFLENE RESORT must be on your discovery bucket list as will offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique landscape of Danube Delta in the most luxurious and pleasurable surroundings.

Mihai Puflene, the men who restored to life tourism in Danube Delta is congratulated by Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, IRICE President on the occasion of diplomats visit to Danube (August 2016).

No matter what will be the reason of your visit: the yearning for discovery, the hope of a unique vacation or just the pleasure of relaxation and enjoyment of leisure, there is one place in the Danube Delta that can offer you all this feelings in a perfect package: PUFLENE RESORT.

For more information’s about PUFLENE RESORT and to book your stay click here:

The culinary potential and imagination of Korean people was full demonstrated by the presentation of traditional products like: Insam soju, traditional korean beverage ginseng based, a tonic world-wide recognised for his beneficial influence on the consumers health, Japchae- a pea based noodles with veal meat and algae flavoured, the universally acclaimed kimchi could not be missing and also noodles with cow meat (Guksu).

Kimchi-an instant recognizable symbol of korean cusine.

The presentation was crowned by SINSEOLLO, the recognised jewel of Korean cooking.

Sinseollo is a full dinner experience encompassing fish, veal, omelet, sea fruits and over 12 ingredients giving a perfect flavour to the dish.

Sinseollo: an univers in a dish!

The cultural and gastronomic presentation of the korean people traditions was a perfect fruition of the vision outlined by Marshal Kim Jong UN, the korean nation leader, who ask all to present to the world the high potential of korean nation.

The Ambassador of Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, H.E. Ri Pyong Du was warmly congratulated by the Romanian Parliament representatives on his inspirational idea to outline DPR Korea culinary potential and encouraged to strengthen the ties between Korean and Romanian people’s, by presenting the culinary potential, full of variety, of the people of the country of the morning calm, the sobriquet of Korea.

The Kingdom of Cambodia had received the official visit of Professor Dr. Anton Caragea high-ranking delegation in a joint effort to boost the friendship and dialogue on international stage.

The visit was inscribed in the bilateral decision to uphold the rapid development of the cultural, trade, economic and political ties.

The important visit had registered two levels of discussions and dialogue: the political, diplomatic and international dialogue and the fostering of cultural touristic and educational cooperation.

The visit of the Professor Dr. Anton Caragea delegation had taken place between 15 and 25 June 2016, offering them the possibility to benefit from a perfect presentation of the tourism and cultural potential of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The delegates started their familiarization trip in the country, in the famous province of Siem Reap, home of famous Angkor temples and palaces.

Governor of Siem Reap Province is gratiously offering a stone replica of the famous King Jayavarman the VII head.

The visit of delegates led by President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea to Siem Reap was accompanied by the diligent staff of Minister of Tourism of Cambodia and the Governor of the province Mr. Khim Bunsong.

A dense and perfectly carved cultural program presented the main attractions of the regions like: the world-famous architectural treasures of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, the incredible magnificent construction of Bayon temple, the rich views of the red temple of Banteay Srei and the cosmic images of a vegetation invaded temple at Ta Prohm.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea- IRICE President had voiced his enthusiasm for the province cultural and historical potential in no uncertain terms: Angkor is the place where God`s and Kings, together, build not only a powerful kingdom, not only a long-lost way of life, but another understanding of the role and potential of human civilization.

The builders of Angkor proved to us, that the humanity knows no boundaries, no limitation in constructing kingdoms with no equal under the sun.

Siem Reap is the house of every person who appreciates civilization and a must see in a life time, concluded his press statement IRICE President.

The magnificient Ta Prohm Temple, invaded by jungle and a living testimony of Khmer art.

On 17 June, a special dinner was offered to the delegates by the office of Governor of Siem Reap Province.

During the celebratory feast, an ample array of music, cultural tradition and costumes from the region was displayed for the high guests.

The next leg of the journey in the magic Kingdom of Cambodia was the familiarization trip around Phnom Penh.

The Cambodia`s capital meet the delegates with a perfect sky line, with the astonishing atmosphere of a bustling Southern Asian city and with incredible aroma, mixing monsoon air with mango and jasmine flowers, a secret aroma that only Phnom Penh has the mastery off.

A mandatory stop over in Phnom Penh: The Royal Palace.

The visit included a tour of the Wat Phnom, a discovery trip to the hustle and bustle of Central Market, a must stop at Phsar Tuol Tom Pong, better known as Russian Market, and a bird’s eye view of the awe-inspiring city monuments like: Independence Monument, the new governmental quarter of Peace Palace etc.

Phnom Penh also presented to the enchanted visitors, the gem of the city: the Royal Palace, a long lay over where the delegates took the time to admire the Audience room, the palace grounds, the palace gardens, the ballet and concert hall, the administration rooms, the museum of royal regalia and paid respects to the funerary stupa`s of former Kings of Cambodia.

A moment of silence was observed for the stupa of the latest king of Cambodia, Norodom Sihanuk, the king who was in the same time: cineaste, prime minister, party leader, king, prince, television and show man and has put his imprint on Cambodia`s XX century story.

The former capital of XVII to XIX century Cambodia, the city of Udong, has also received the world tourism high delegates, who took time to explore the Buddha Temple, the stupa`s of King Monivong and the ensemble of temples and Buddhist learning institutes on the ground and admired the ample view from Udong mountain.

King IndravarmanKing Indravarman-the founding father of Khmer empire.

The delegation led by President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea also attended a host of important meeting with the government staff, with an ample dialogue at Minister of tourism of Cambodia together with H.E. Minister Dr. Thong Khon.

An ample program of exchanges and continuous support was established with specialists offering expertise for a development master plan, for an eco-system protection area law and to establish a tourism institute and tourism training facilities on the Kingdom in order to meet the ever-increasing needs of tourism and hospitality expertise for the tourism industry of the Kingdom.

On the occasion of the official visit by the delegates headed by IRICE President to the Kingdom of Cambodia, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea has being invited to keep an extraordinary speech to the Parliament of Cambodia.

H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea address to the Royal Parliament of Cambodia.

A momentous occasion.

This is an honor reserved only for the visiting head of states or world prominent leaders, the most recently awarded with this honor being the United Nations Secretary General-Mr. Ban Ki Moon.

The discourse, presented by H.. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea in front of the joint session of Parliament, Government and diplomatic corps accredited to the Kingdom of Cambodia reflected upon the unimaginable transformations and evolutions of the Kingdom in the latest three decades and underlined the role played as a pillar of stability by Cambodia on regional and international affairs.

We have also to highlight the clear-sighted policies enacted by the Government of Prime Minister Academician Dr. HUN SEN.

H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea address to the Royal Government of Cambodia

Kingdom of Cambodia is today a beacon of democracy and a model country, in relation with the social agenda and social distribution of income, concluded his speech, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, in the thunderous applauses of the audience.

The photo-album from the special session of the Royal Parliament can be accesed here: PRESIDENT OFFICE

In the framework of the official visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia, on 22 June 2016 , the official high level meeting between Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and Academician Dr. Hun Sen-Prime Minister of Cambodia has taken place.

The shake-hand of friendship and respect: a perfect beginning to the dialogue between Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and Prime Minister of Kingdom of Cambodia Academician Dr. HUN SEN.

The dialogue was held in an amicable atmosphere and was based on an throughly assessment of the regional evolutions in Indochina and europe and was built upon the common objective of building a development agenda, focused on the fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goals as voted in December 2015 by the United Nations.

The President of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, highlighted the intense development that brought Cambodia to the fore of international economic growth and also praised the country ambitious social revenues distribution agenda towards the poor and marginal communities.

Cambodia is today an example for this area of the world in economic growth and the Government led by Academician Dr. HUN SEN is an example of development and national efficiency.

The succesful governance of our country was based on the trust build between his team and the people of Cambodia and validated in the course of the years, by the electoral voting process, concluded Academician Dr. HUN SEN.

In relation to this trust, the Prime Minister of Cambodia officially announced, for the first time, his desire to stand for re-election at the general ballot in 2018.

IRICE President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea wished to be the first to offer his congratulation and stated that Khmer people must proceed to the path of economic development and growth and take full advantage of the experience and trust bestow upon the government led by Academician dr. HUN SEN.

The delegation headed by H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, partakes in the discussion and exchanges of views with H.E. Academician Dr. HUN SEN-Prime Minister of Cambodia.

Only Prime Minster Samdech HUN SEN can offer to the nation the necessary guarantees for integrity and continuous development for people of Cambodia, underlined Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

More issues were put under the limelight such as: migration crisis, the tense world political situation, the crisis in the arab world and european crisis.

On the bilateral horizon, the discussion had tabled themes like: increase in bilateral trade and exchanges and it was decided that a joint team of experts will start working on a Cambodia Development Plan for 2050.

The amicable and full of respect dialogue between H.E. Prime Minister of Cambodia -Samdech HUN SEN and H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea – IRICE President had initiated a valuable exchange of ideas and experiences that will continue in to the future.

On the framework of the 9th Meeting of the European Tourism organization, held at the Romanian Parliament, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea MA, FINS, ETA, presented a tourism analysis and evaluation report entitled: CAMBODIA: THE LAND OF MAGIC- THE PLACE WHERE GOD`S AND KINGS BUILD THE WORLD!

The report noted the reasons for awarding WORLD BEST TOURISM DESTINATION FOR 2016 PRIZE to CAMBODIA:

• The excellent preservation of humanity landmarks such as: the Temple of Preah Vihear- the heart of ancient Indochina.

The temple outstanding history can be traced to the 9th century, when the hermitage was founded.

Today the site is particularly well preserved and is offering to the visitors an outstanding vision of grandeur, thanks to his exceptional for the quality of its architecture, which is adapted to the natural environment and the religious function of the temple, as well as for the exceptional quality of its carved stone ornamentation.

The Siem Reap province is home to the majestically and unique Angkor Archaeological Park – the residence of the Khmer’s Kings from 9th to 15th century.

Angkor Wat Temple located in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Today this incredible humanity legacy, stretching over some 400 sq.km, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century.

They include the famous Temple of Angkor Watt and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations.

All this sites where recognized as being of world significance and registered as UNESCO World heritage monuments.

• The rich cultural and historical legacy of Cambodia is not limited to the previous presented list.

In order to fully grasp the natural potential of Cambodia natural parks and natural reservations we must look at the potential of these regions designated in 1993 Royal Decree on the Protection of Natural Areas.

Bayon Temple: one of the humanity landmarks

They are encompassing 23 protected areas, which at the time covered more than 18% of the country’s total land area.

The royal decree divides the areas into four distinct categories: natural parks (sometimes described as ‘national parks’), wildlife preserves, protected scenic view areas (sometimes described as ‘protected landscapes’) and multi-purpose areas.

Cambodia is also home to rarely and valuable Ramsar sites rated accordingly to RAMSAR CONVENTION of June 1999:

A stretch along the Mekong River approximately 37 km long and 14,600 hectares in Stung Treng Province

Boeng Chhmar and associated river system and floodplain, 28,000 hectares in Kampong Thom and Siem Reap provinces (part of a designated multiple use area)

• Giving tourists access to outstanding and pristine nature and the opportunity to explore nature, to contribute to ecological preservation, and the opportunity to visit extraordinary places.

All these regions and national parks are a model of achieving ecological and green tourism that must be recognized throughout the world.

New prominent landmarks are to be added to UNESCO list such as: Angkor Borei and Phnom Da, the former celebrated as the ancient capital of Kingdom of Cambodia under the name of Vyadhapura and pace at the confluence of Mekong and Stun Sla Ku. This is now home to perfect archeological treasures like sculptures and stones star shaped called stelae.

Phnom Da is famous for his caves, the mud tower and the all sought Ashram Maha Rosei, made in long standing stone and celebrated as a model of architectural ingenuity made out of interior monk housing units blending in the exterior wall.

Tonle Sap River is the former capital of Royal Cambodia in 17th century from 1740 to 1746.

Udong is now a perfect example of a sprawling royal city, but also a royal necropolis gathering the funerary temples of kings that offered to Cambodia a chance of survival in the country darkest times.

Udong is the proof of the resilience and endurance of Khmer spirit in time of peril and dangers.

The project ONES VILLAGE/ONES PRODUCT designed to promote social fair tourism, to sustain rural production and to bring about the rebirth of traditional craftsmanship created and promoted by H.E. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of Cambodia , is a perfect way of sharing revenue, growing income and supporting marginal and rural communities development.

The way in which social-tourism has become the base for local economic development, for empowerment of remote community and supporting educational and vocational projects benefiting the communities, makes social-fair tourism, the lesson that today-the KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA is offering to the world.

• The ongoing development and protection of cultural, religious and historical shrines of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the transformation of Angkor Region into a historical and spiritual center, offering to the visitors a glimpse into rich culture and heritage of peoples of Cambodia.

Angkor must be the world center of religious pilgrimage and cultural tourism offering to world tourists the complex healing experience of cultural legacy, religious special atmosphere and faith imbued air.

• The preservation of outstanding historical and cultural heritage in the form of the former capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Angkor cultural complex, an ample palatial complex from the 9th Century, offering an incredible sense of magnificence of one of the Asia greatest empire.

The sacred mountain of Udong-Cambodia

• Today, Cambodia offers tourists bound for the country a rich and perfect open air collection with a rare presence of historical and archaeological treasures that educate and enrich the world.

• The KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA is also a perfect center for river trips and adventure tourism, offering large areas suitable for this special kind of tourism, and the necessary infrastructure to welcome the adventure seeker, its safety and peace, makes the country, one of the world’s top adventure river destinations that make the KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA as a perfect cultural class destination.

In the speech conclusions, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, MA,FINS, ETA proposed CAMBODIA as the winner of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 and as receiver of the FAVORITE CULTURAL DESTINATION distinction for 2016.

European Tourism organization will held his regular yearly meeting in Romania, in a sign of confidence in the country rapid tourism industry development.

On the occasion of the tourism organization will be tabled: increased regional cooperation, visa facilitation and the better promotion of European tourism.

These are some of the topics in focus at the 9th Meeting of the European Tourism organization-ECTT to be held in Bucharest, Romania, 10-11 June 2016.

Europe is the world’s most visited region and is the main source of outbound tourism to other destination, accounting for more than half of the world’s international travelers.

Palace of Parliament is preparing to host European Tourism Organization meeting.

In 2014, international tourism in Europe had registered a major contribution to the economic recovery in the region: international tourist arrivals grew by 3% to reach a record 584 million, while international tourism receipts increased by 4% contributing US$ 509 billion (383 billion euro) to the European economies.

European tourism delegates will partake in a week-end of discovery of the Babadag Lake region and Enisala (art and strategic medieval fortification).

The 9th Meeting of the European Tourism organization will be held at the Romanian parliament.

On 12 and 13 June 2016, the delegates will be invited to a familiarization trip in Lake District of Romania and will visit the famous Enisala fortress in Dobrogea having thus the opportunity to discover Romanian touristic landscapes.

The main priorities for European tourism identified by the European national tourism organizations will include the development of cultural destinations and carving transnational products, in order to enhance regional and inter-nations travel cooperation, declared President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.

HOUSE PANCIU (CASA PANCIU) is famous for using high quality national and international grapes varieties, resulting wines with a history of over two millenniums (like Feteasca Neagra).

With the onset of the promotion campaign for ROMANIAN NATIONAL WINE, ambassadors and wine tasters, from all around the world, will enjoy the brands selected and highly marked as the best wines produced in Romania.

These perfect national wines are produced by HOUSE PANCIU (CASA DE VINURI PANCIU).

The selection of wines that will be presented for the SPRING/SUMMER 2016 campaign under the slogan: THE NATIONAL ROMANIAN WINE COMES FROM HOUSE OF PANCIU- HOUSE OF WINE! will include the Ambassador wines of Romania and will be presented to diplomats, foreign journalists and importers of wine from across the world.

Among the special wines, that will be outlined for tasting, during this period, the list includes the BEST ROMANIAN WINE for 2016: FETEASCA NEAGRA (BLACK GIRL-awarded with 98 points).

This perfect wine will be a highlight of the diplomatic parties and receptions and will bring glamour to the main diplomatic events of spring and summer 2016.

The diplomatic guests will enjoy, from May 1st to October 1st 2016, the famous: Feteasca Neagra (Black Girly) from CASA PANCIU, a wine that was named THE BEST ROMANIAN RED WINE for 2014 and conquered once more the international public imagination during January 2016 wine tasting.

Other wines, that will represent the best of what Romanian wines have to offer and produced by the HOUSE PANCIU (CASA DE VINURI PANCIU), the most significant producer from Vrancea/Moldavia region, are including the outstanding ALIGOTE, the pugnant aromatic BABEASCA, a specific Romanian grape variety, freshly bottled after ageing in 2014 (considered with 91 points).

In short: the TASTE NATIONAL ROMANIAN WINE! campaign, will present a carefully drafted list of the exceptional selection of wines from HOUSE PANCIU (CASA DE VINURI PANCIU).

These wines are having the aroma and natural character of the wines coming from Moldavian-Vrancea region.

All the wines from the list are having the international recognition of the wines of HOUSE PANCIU (CASA PANCIU), the top line of quality of Romanian wine industry.

You could also join in the program, by consuming, as a true Romanian ambassador, the wines of HOUSE PANCIU (CASA PANCIU), offering as a gift this premium wines and enjoying the BEST ROMANIAN WINE for 2016: CASA PANCIU wine.

The Sustainable Development Goals -SDG are creating a global framework for combating world-wide poverty and insuring an inclusive and developed society on a world scale.

WHAT ARE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS?

Considering as self evident the fact that: Education is undoubtedly the pillar for the successful implementation and the large acquiescence of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation (IRICE) endeavors to use the teaching of diplomacy, international relations, economic theory, life sciences, environment, and ecology to raise global awareness and understanding of the SDGs.

Sustainable Development Goals will be the focus of a series of WORLD LECTURES, held annually in different places, regions and countries and reuniting local and global leaders, government officials, and world specialists and addressing the issues of awareness, leading by examples and promotions of sustainable development goals on a world level.

The result of this lectures on SDG wil be presented in the form of a free awarded Certificate on sustainable development goals (SDGs) entrusted to all the participants of the Lectures on SDG.

The WORLD LECTURES on Sustainable Development Goals will focus on giving participants the essential competencies, skills and multidisciplinary knowledge to become globally responsible sustainable development leaders and managers.

The central point of the series of WORLD LECTURES will be to create awareness on the sustainable development goals (SDGs) among world community members and concerned government stakeholders will improve and sustain interactions between government and the people, thereby setting a platform towards achieving the SDGs by 2030

2015 Lectures on Millennium Development Goals and United Nations Global Compact Initiative draw the attention of Romanian and International stakeholders.

Arrangements for Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer

Transfer of experts and equipment for appropriate learning through capacity building of different stakeholders such as governments, communities, private sector entities, and utilize, according to local conditions.

The effectiveness of the technology transfer will be based on capacity building and enabling environments to enable target stakeholders understanding.

The main issue to be addressed via the WORLD LECTURES on Sustainable Development Goals will be the faults on government officials training and capacity to effectively plan and implement sustainable development projects.

New technology transfer with required capacity would also be adopted to effectively create needed awareness in the minds of all identified stakeholders in response to 2030 sustainable development agenda.

Implementation methodologies

Raising awareness and promoting change-oriented communication based on the implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and targets will be implemented in civil society organizations (CSOs and governmental organizations in response to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The annual workshop will engage multi-stakeholders in order to enlist them to contribute with their own ideas, strategies and energies, and creating a buoyant debate on sustainable issues.

This will be achieved by a large range of mediums like:

community mobilizations, CSOs/ government interactive sessions on the SGDs and their targets, media platforms on print/electronic media, capacity building for community stakeholders and government MDAs, publications, banners, flyers, t-shirts, brochures, and the creation of social network platforms, and promotional materials (manuals).

2013 Lectures on United Nations Global Compact Initiative hosted by Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania.

IRICE will coordinate all awareness campaigns and programmed activities with other identified partners and stakeholders and submit report to relevant governments and institutions and partners.

Implementation of activities will be annually controlled and evaluated and will be bi-annually under revamp during a peer review meeting of partners destined to chart the way further, to identify challenges and roads forward.

The main aim of the annual Word Lectures on SDG will be to insure capacity building for community stakeholders and to create media platforms for wider public sensibilization.

The Law on Giving in Payment is making murky waters on Romanian real estate market and is creating powerful pro and against camps every day more vocal, but unfortunately less and less based on economical date and more on sentimental reasons.

In order to address this fundamental issue: what will be the impact on commissioning law on real estate market? The Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation organized on 29 February 2016, the annual conference dedicated to the housing market in Romania.

THE ROLE OF REAL ESTATE MARKET IS TO PROVIDE HOUSING AND NOT EXUBERANT PROFITS TO SPECULATORS

In the opening remarks of the conference Prof. Dr. Anton Caragea explained the importance of real estate market:

We must comprehend the fundamental truth that : the real estate market is not dedicated to the big business sharks, to the speculators or to hit and run economic actors, but the real aim of this market must be to offer housing to those in need not profit to real estate moguls.

Or this is exactly the hitting point of the hammer of the law, the great real estate speculators, who aim at taking profit after profit, that are speculating on housing, they will be the victims, while the persons in search of house for living, for building a family, they will be in advantage.

Is normal that the prices will abruptly go down, and this is a perfect solution for the real estate market because the prices must not be dictated by speculators and riff raffs but by the real economy and this is demanding a reduction in prices by 50%.

This will exactly the outcome of the Giving in Payment Law: will bring normality on housing market.

On the venue of the conference where brought together: real estate agents, bankers, property experts and evaluators, brokers and real estate funds from Romania and EU and economists.

The debates started with the highlights of the latest evolution`s and drop in prices on real estate market in Romania during 2015, the most prominent bankruptcies in the real estate developers and the factor leading to a continuing devaluation of the market prices for 2016.

2015: THE REAL ESTATE PRICES TOOK A PLUNGE OF 15%

During last year, according to the figures presented on the conference, the average price reduction was around 15%, as a medium calculation, with highest mark for villas and houses going towards a 25% reductions, one of the most serious drop since the economic crisis hit Romania.

Despite this optimist signs of price reductions, all the experts underlined the fact that: prices are a long way to go before they reach the normal prices range.

2016 will mark new prices reductions until the real estate will register a 50% decrease from present day levels.

The tendencies on the market are putting the correct price around 200 Euro per square meter, the just price for Romanian market.

A highly interesting statistic proved that: who signed a contract last year to buy a propriety has already lost 20% of his investment.

New significant drops in prices (around 50% of present day marks) are just the tip of the iceberg and will have to continue in the next period, if there is to be a chance for the market to be stabilized and the investment in real estate to become one more time attractive and efficient.

From an initial value of 1.200/1.300 euro per build square meter, the prices have dropped by the year-end, towards 650-450 euro per constructed square meter, but are a long way to go until normal prices, requested by the market, will come back on Romanian real estate.

2016: THE INDEX OF PRICE IS INDICATING A 25% REDUCTION IN PRICES

The real estate market will continue the downward spiral in 2016, accelerated by the economic crisis and low-income, with the greatest devaluation registered for the rural based property and on secondary or vacation house market and provincial cities where prices will decrease by 80% while the depreciation will rich figures of around 40% to 50% on premium real estate objectives in Bucharest areas.

The prices are expected to fall below 200-250 euro per constructed/ square meter in prime areas of Bucharest real estate.

The housing market prices have one direction: Down and quickly!

The drop in prices is driven by the ongoing banking crisis, the powerful economic crisis, the reduction of incomes, the shrinking in number of banking institutions available to offer real estate loans, the spike in banking interest rates, dramatic decrees in investment, drastic reduction in real income for majority of Romanians, unfavorable economic prognosis, ongoing economic crisis and also decrees in foreign investments and in revenues from Romanian working abroad etc.

To this long list of negative trends we can add the 120.000 new flats, houses and villas that will be placed on the market by the banks in the foreclosure process.

They were expected to flood the market from 2015, but their apparition was bogged down by law complication and lawsuits but eventually they will start emerge from banks portfolios on the market bringing severe corrections to the prices.

This new properties will be presented on the market with reduction`s in prices ranging from 50% to 25% percent from the initial announced price.

The banks presented list of property with starting prices ranging from 15.000 to 20.000 euro for one room flat, to 25.000 euro per two rooms flat and around 35.000 euro for three room flats.

The mansions and villas are sold at pricing ranging from 35-40.000 euro per 200 squared meter’s villas in high luxury areas and as low as 20-30.000 euro in secondary areas.

The prices for land in Bucharest area already dropped with 50% in 2014 and will furthermore decrease with 50% this year, reaching finally the 50 euro per square meter in central areas of Bucharest, a price that will allow re-emergence of developers on the market on the next years.

On the list of economic developments, on the real estate market, that are impacting downwards the prices were highlighted: a drop in population real income by 30% in 2014/2015, this had impacted drastic the number of real estate buyers, banking system is engulfed in crisis and choked by low-commercial value properties; the average real interest for real estate credit is around 20% which is making the cost of real estate credits unsustainable.

We can safely conclude that: taking a real estate loan in this period is the path towards bankruptcy and foreclosure for 90% of the clients.

Borrowing today ! Bankrupt tomorrow! was the bitter joke of the bankers, which confessed that banking system is in a vicious circle, until the prices will reach the 200 euro per square meter mark, until this moment the loan market is blocked.

WE HAVE HOUSES! BUT WE DON’T HAVE BUYERS!

2016 is presenting a market under siege with offers and with no buyers interested.

This year will enter on the market like a flood: over 50.000 hectares of prime land and a new stock of 3.000 villas and mansions in areas as: Colentina, Bucurestii Noi, Pipera, Baneasa, Damaroaia etc.

This avalanche of real estate`s will be sold on the market at prices below 50.000 euro per property and will push toward collapse the luxury real estate market.

Another interesting factor that emerged from discussion was the fact that: this year the offers are reaching 50% from the asking prices, while the norm on the market was a difference between 10 to 15% but today the gap has go down to at 50% of the initially estimated price.

The real estate market is intricately connected with the decrease of average wage and real income per person and the economy status.

The price per square meter, in prime real estate areas, cannot be over medium salary value by more than two times.

As in Romania the salary is around 150 euro monthly, the price per square meter cannot exceed more than 300 euro, as a matter of economic sanity.

It a clear axiom of economic sustainability, you are breaking it; you go out of business, concluded Mihail Raceanu.

The market will restart if we will reach the financial comfort zone around 200-300 euro’s per square meter.

This is the hard to swallow truth: who is not cutting rapidly the prices remains excluded from the market.

50% to 60% REDUCTION IN HOUSING AND VILLA MARKET SECTORS.

We have entered now in the eight year of the housing crisis and we have to logically be prepared for another eight year for dropping prices as normality on the market is the United States expert’s opinion.

Crisis is today economic normality!

The developers in the areas of villas and houses concluded that this area will continued to be severely hit with drastic reduction of prices during 2016.

The main reason is the fact that: economic crisis had dramatically reduced the number of interested players for buying this type of real estate, corroborating this with decreasing rental market and drastic reduction in number of companies interested to rent such large spaces for offices and the growing expenses to maintain such a property, had gone up impressively, all is worsening the perspective for this type of properties.

The new taxes and fiscal obligations are hitting hard on the owners of luxury estates and the maintenance cost are rising rapidly on gas and heating tabs.

This type of properties is the most vulnerable for banking foreclosures and sell on the market at prices below 50.000 euro such villas can help the banks to cut their losses.

During this year areas such as: Mosilor, Pipera, Baneasa, Tunari, still offer the possibility to be sold around 50.000 euro, the rest of the areas of south and east of the capital (Damaroaia, Berceni, Timpuri Noi, Colentina), are completely unfit for marketing and selling because of the inexistence of interested buyers.

The portrait of housing buyer: bankrupt and on the street!

YOU BUY! YOU LOOSE!

During 2015 the same order is playing in the real estate market: you bought, you lost!

From the moment that you ink the deal, the real value of your house has gone down by 20% and will continue to dwindle.

Understanding the real estate market evident lessons is a major step: the internal market with a dwindling number of buyers and unpredictable income is blocking any major acquisitions and foreign investors are NOT coming to the market.

Nothing will change until the prices are reaching the 200 euro mark per square meter.

No investment in Romania is possible at current prices of 400-500 euro per square meter as long as similar opportunities are to be found in Austria, Hungary, Greece, Turkey or Bulgaria but at prices below 100 euro.

In this moment any buyer of Romanian properties will lose big and heavy, concluded the panel of experts present at the conference.

All the hopes are concentrating on the rapid implementation of the New Fiscal Code of Romania that will force by huge taxes and levies the owner to rapidly sale their property or face foreclosures.

Thus will bring the prices to the reality of 200 euro target of real estate market.

The Law of Giving in Payment in marking a step in the right direction towards bringing equilibrium of the real estate market and signaling that the time of housing speculators in rapidly nearing his end.

On 26 February 2016, the official cooperation meeting between Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President General Director of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation and H.E. Karsten Vagn Nielsen, Ambassador of Kingdom of Denmark had taken place.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea open the dialogue by underlining the friendly interest towards the recent evolution`s in Denmark, evolutions that are consolidating Denmark economic development and are creating a perfect opportunity for Danish business people and enterprises in manifesting a real interest for the prospects offered by Romanian economy.

Friendly dialogue and exchange of opinions between IRICE President Dr. Anton Caragea and Ambassador of Denmark-Karsten Vagn Nielsen.

H.E. Ambassador Karsten Vagn Nielsen outlined the latest achievements in bilateral relations and marked the growing contribution of Romanian community working and building an existence in the Kingdom of Denmark and marked the fact that the Romanian community is a prominent tool in developing cultural relations and building new bridges of understanding between Romania and Denmark.

Ambassador Karsten Vagn Nielsen took the opportunity to emphasize on the new projects developed in Romania by Danish companies that are investing in diary industry and presented the pride of the embassy: the project of assuring medical assistance for rural and remote areas with the help offered by Danish companies present on Romanian market.

The parties had appreciated that between Romanian and Denmark there are large areas of common interests , designed to forge a good understanding between the two nations.

The Romania- Denmark relationship must be an example for a better relation between Romania and Northern Europe region.

They had concurred that now it is an auspicious moment for reconstructing and rebuilding this framework of dialogue and friendship.

The dialogue had continued on concrete aspects and analyses of economic, political and cultural bilateral relations and on ways of fostering this dialogue on to the future.

The discussion led the foundations of continuing the dialogue and putting a more energetic outlook in the relations between Romania and Kingdom of Denmark.